Order of the Three Stars
Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis
Chain and star of the order
TypeOrder, five classes, with three honor medals.
Awarded forMerit in service to Latvia.
Presented by Latvia
MottoPer aspera ad astra
(Through hardships to the stars)
Established1924
Ribbon of the order
Precedence
Next (higher)Order of Lāčplēsis
Next (lower)Order of Viesturs

Order of the Three Stars (Latvian: Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis) is the highest civilian order awarded for meritorious service to Latvia. It was established in 1924 in remembrance of the founding of Latvia. Its motto is "Per aspera ad astra", meaning "Through hardships to the stars". The Order has five ranks and three grades of medals of honour.[1]

The ranks

  • Commander Grand Cross with Chain (1st class with Chain) see below
  • Commander Grand Cross (1st class)
  • Grand Officer (2nd class)
  • Commander (3rd class)
  • Officer (4th class)
  • Knight (5th class)
  • Medal of Honour, 1st Class
  • Medal of Honour, 2nd Class
  • Medal of Honour, 3rd Class
Ribbon bars
Commander Grand Cross with Chain
Commander Grand Cross
Grand Officer
Commander
Officer
Knight
Gold Medal of Honor
Silver Medal of Honor
Bronze Medal of Honor

The cross

The cross of the order is white enamel cross within gilded edges. In the center of the front side of the cross there is blue enamel medallion with three golden five-point stars on it. The reverse side has gilded medallion with inscriptions "Per aspera ad astra" and "Latvijas Republika — 1918.g.18. novembris" (English: Republic of Latvia - 18 November 1918).

The Stars

The Stars are first and second rate orders. The first rate order and the second rate order, (the great star and the small star, respectively) have similar design and differ only in size. The stars are in shape of five point star made of silver with blue enamel medallion with three golden five-point stars in its center. On its edge there is inscription "Par Tēviju" (English: For Fatherland).

Chain of the Order

Chain of the Order is awarded to Commander of the Grand Cross in exceptional cases. It has ten gilded links with alternately chiseled images of three stars, fire-cross, and fasces supported by lion and griffin.

Medal of honour

Medal of honour is a round medal on front of which the cross of the order is depicted. The reverse side has inscription "Par Tēviju" with a flaming heart below the inscription. It has a wreath of oak leaves on its edge. The medal of honour has three grades – gold, silver and bronze.

See also

References

  1. "Latvijas Valsts prezidenta mājas lapa". www.president.lv. Archived from the original on 2016-02-01. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
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